Many people wonder, is sterling silver the same as regular silver? To put it simply, no. Knowing this distinction can help you make the right choices when purchasing silver jewellery online. Both types have distinct properties, longevity, and caring procedures that are appropriate for various styles, occasions, and needs.
From bright, polished, and glamorous, to moody and artistic, silver jewellery offers a vast world of variety that deserves attention. Knowing these differences, whether one is a fan of modern elegance or vintage timeless pieces, would result in a more personalized and well-informed jewellery decision. So, in this article let’s find out the major difference between the two.
Understanding Silver Jewellery
When discussing silver Jewellery for women, most people envision a bright, clean, and polished classic metal. What's more, Pure silver, often known as fine silver, carries a whopping 99.9% silver content. While beauty is not the problem, pure silver's softness and malleability renders it unsuited for everyday wear.
Though it shines brilliantly, pure silver is prone to losing both form and luster without regular maintenance. Opting for beauty and durability goes hand in hand with alloy-based options sterling silver being a perfect example.
What Is Oxidized Silver Jewellery?
Oxidized silver jewellery is made out of sterling silver that has been enhanced to appear darker and older. The shift is made through a process of controlled oxidation, which speeds up the natural tarnishing process of the metal, producing a surface layer known as patina.
The added depth and texture are purposeful. Fine detailing in handcrafted and ornate jewellery pieces is made to stand out with oxidized silver. If you benefit from jewellery with a distinct bohemian or vintage vibe, oxidized silver designs will add unparalleled charm to your personality.
Why Jewellery Isn’t Made from 100% Silver
Although pure silver’s shine is magnificent, its high reactivity makes it unfit to be used for durable jewellery. Pure silver would be considerably less common in jewellery and cutlery because oxygen exposure causes silver to form a dark layer of silver oxide.
This is the primary reason alloy blends are preferred to pure silver and gold. For example, stronger 925 sterling silver jewellery is far more common than you’d expect. These blends do not sacrifice beauty, offering structural integrity. If you enjoy handcrafted silver jewellery, you will realize that oxidized and sterling variants dominate the market for a good reason.
Sterling Silver jewellery: Durable & Versatile
Jewellery made from sterling silver is composed of an alloy containing 92.5% Silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually Copper or Zinc. The added ingredients contribute to its strength and durability, which makes sterling silver perfect for everyday use.
Now, designers can let their imagination run free because of the durability of silver. Starting from minimalist silver jewellery, to bigger, more show-stopping, bold statement pieces. Maintaining sterling silver jewellery is also easy because of its hypoallergenic properties, making it suitable for anyone with sensitive skin. Whether you like the understated elaborate beauty, or fierce bold artistry, for a jewellery lover, sterling silver is an everlasting choice.
Oxidized Silver vs Sterling Silver: The Key Difference
Oxidized silver jewellery is the complete opposite of sterling silver jewellery, which is bright and polished. Oxidized silver went through a chemical process to be darkened deliberately. The appeal of oxidized jewellery is rooted in its vintage charm, which accentuates detail in design and gives the piece an old-world handcrafted feel.
Oxidized silver lends character to bohemian or rustic designs, whereas sterling silver rocks modern sleek styles. Provided they are cared for correctly, both materials have the same longevity. In the end, it comes down to whether you prefer bold artistic statements or understated shimmer.
Does Tarnishing Mean the Product is of Low Quality?
No! Tarnishing is a form of reaction by some metals when they make contact with air and moisture. Both sterling silver and oxidized silver can tarnish over time, but this doesn’t diminish their quality.
In fact, many believe that a light patina enhances the beauty of silver jewellery for women by adding character and a story to each piece. Keeping jewellery in airtight containers prevents them from tarnishing, and ensures it stays in your wardrobe for years.
Conclusion
If you prefer the shine polish of 925 sterling silver jewellery or the vintage flair of oxidized silver jewellery, the decision solely lies on how you plan to wear the two styles and your personal preference. Both styles offer their own kind of beauty, practicality, and sentimental value which are equally important.
Want to add striking, refined, and expertly crafted pieces to your collection? Browse through the collection of handmade silver jewellery, silver minimalist jewellery, and women’s silver jewellery at InariShines.com. Our designs blend modern minimalism and tradition beautifully, making its use perfect for every event.